Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul who once lent her platform to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for their explosive 2021 interview, has reportedly joined a growing roster of Hollywood A-listers distancing themselves from the Sussexes. According to insiders, Winfrey has been strategically pulling away from the couple over the past 18 months, concerned about the reputational damage associated with their brand.

The 72-year-old talk show icon initially seemed to embrace the royal renegades, offering them a sympathetic ear during a tell-all that rocked the monarchy. But behind the scenes, the relationship has cooled significantly. Sources told RadarOnline.com that Winfrey is now practicing what has been described as a "long-arm" technique—keeping the Sussexes at arm's length while maintaining a thread of connection in case they provide another blockbuster interview opportunity.

"The truth is, Oprah has been long-arming the Sussexes for some time," said Paula Froelich, a NewsNation correspondent, speaking to The Daily Mail. "She can't let them drift too far away because if something happens, one of the three big Ds—divorce, death, or drama—she will want the interview." This pragmatic approach underscores a broader trend in Hollywood: celebrities and power players who once flocked to the Sussexes are now quietly stepping back.

The 2021 Interview and Its Aftermath

Winfrey's interview with Meghan and Harry in March 2021 drew an estimated 17 million viewers in the US alone and generated headlines worldwide. The couple made allegations of racism and lack of support within the royal family, painting a picture of a cold and uncaring institution. Initially, Winfrey was praised for securing such a major scoop, but critics soon began to question her journalistic approach. Many noted that she did not push back on any of the couple's claims, leading to accusations of sycophancy.

"Oprah was tarnished by her association with them," Froelich explained. "The interview she did in 2021 was so soft, and she didn't push back on anything said, so she was seen as a sycophant rather than a great interviewer." This perception has lingered, and Winfrey has reportedly worked to rehabilitate her image by distancing herself from the Sussexes. Her production company, Harpo Films, has not collaborated with them on any recent projects, and the couple have not featured prominently in her network's programming.

Meghan's Business Ventures and Clashes

One of the key points of friction has been Meghan's entrepreneurial activities. The Duchess of Sussex launched a fashion app called "As Ever" (originally named "American Riviera Orchard"), which allows users to shop her outfits and gives her a 10% commission on sales. Insiders claim this move has rubbed many in Hollywood the wrong way. "No one wants to hang out with Meghan," Froelich said. "Lots of reasons, but she might sell clothes while using their name. Can you imagine? 'What to wear to visit Oprah.'"

The app reportedly includes links to high-end brands and promotes a lifestyle that some see as overtly commercial. This has led to accusations that Meghan is leveraging her celebrity connections for financial gain, a practice that has alienated friends who feel exploited. The fashion app is just one example of a broader pattern: the Sussexes have been aggressively building their brand in the US, but their approach has created tension.

Growing List of Defectors

Winfrey is far from alone in stepping back. RadarOnline.com previously reported that other major figures have distanced themselves from the couple. Anna Wintour, the legendary Vogue editor, is said to be no longer on speaking terms with Meghan after a series of slights. Lauren Sánchez, the fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, reportedly fell out with Meghan before her lavish wedding to Bezos in June 2025. Meghan allegedly snubbed Sánchez, refusing to attend pre-wedding events because she considered Sánchez "trashy." This snub was seen as a major misstep, given Sánchez's powerful connections.

Even the Kardashian family, known for their willingness to court controversy, have reportedly cut ties. A source told the Daily Mail: "They have truly lost the plot. I hear she's spiraling badly because she knows nothing is working. The whole thing about her stuff selling out isn't true anymore." The couple's financial situation is also a concern, as their lifestyle in the US reportedly costs $5 million a year, and their income streams from Netflix and Spotify deals are under scrutiny.

Reputational Risk and Hollywood Dynamics

Industry experts point to "reputational risk" as the primary reason for the exodus. Being associated with the Sussexes is seen as a double-edged sword: while it can bring attention, it also comes with baggage. The couple have been involved in numerous controversies, from their criticism of the royal family to their sometimes tone-deaf public statements. Hollywood has become more cautious about aligning with figures who may generate negative headlines, especially in an era where brand image is paramount.

Furthermore, the Sussexes have a reputation for being "name-droppy," as one source described. "They love famous people—they are very name-droppy. The association gives them a kick. But if someone stops calling, they don't ask why." This lack of self-awareness has frustrated many in their circle, who feel the couple does not understand why their friendships are fading. The source added: "They don't get it. They never think it is them."

Financial Pressures and Future Outlook

The couple's financial stability has been a subject of speculation. After stepping down as senior royals in 2020, they signed lucrative deals with Netflix, Spotify, and Penguin Random House for book deals. However, the Spotify deal collapsed after just one season of their podcast, and questions remain about whether their Netflix partnership will be renewed. Their production company, Archewell Productions, has produced a few projects, but none have matched the impact of their initial interview.

Insiders suggest that the couple is feeling the pressure. "I don't think either of them is happy," a previous source told the Daily Mail. The strain is particularly acute for Meghan, who has seen her Hollywood dream dissolve. Her attempts to forge a career as a philanthropist and entrepreneur are hitting roadblocks, as friends and potential collaborators pull away.

The Sussexes' situation mirrors broader trends in celebrity culture. In an age of social media and 24-hour news cycles, maintaining a positive public image is more important than ever. The couple's willingness to share intimate details of their lives—both in the Oprah interview and in their Netflix docuseries—has made them compelling subjects, but it has also made them risky associates. For Winfrey, who built her career on connecting with audiences and elevating voices, the calculation is clear: the benefits of staying close to the Sussexes no longer outweigh the costs.

Despite her distance, Winfrey has not burned bridges entirely. She reportedly wants to remain on good enough terms to secure another interview if the "big Ds" materialize. This cautious approach reflects a broader strategy among Hollywood elites: keep the Sussexes at arm's length but within reach, ready to capitalize on future drama. Whether the couple will ever regain their former cachet remains to be seen, but for now, the A-list exodus continues, leaving Meghan and Harry increasingly isolated in the world they once seemed to conquer.

Source: AOL.com News